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Old 12 December 2018, 12:43 AM   #1
Innocenti
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Modern Rolex too big?

Am I alone in wishing Rolex would down size some of its watches?

I love the design and modern build quality of both the explorer l & ll but both feel 3mm too large.
I hope we will see a return to a more classic size from Rolex
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Old 12 December 2018, 12:46 AM   #2
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Wish they went bigger. I have a 7-3/4" wrist. 40MM is the smallest I would consider owning. My sweet spot is 42MM-43MM. Glad they make all sizes to keep the masses happy.
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Old 12 December 2018, 12:47 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Innocenti View Post
Am I alone in wishing Rolex would down size some of its watches?

I love the design and modern build quality of both the explorer l & ll but both feel 3mm too large.
I hope we will see a return to a more classic size from Rolex
I tend to disagree. I have smaller watches but like the modern once. I believe everything is done for the reason and watch fashion is not exception.
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Old 12 December 2018, 12:48 AM   #4
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As we all know today bigger and heavier is always better I dont think,myself have 8 half inch wrists and quite happy to wear some of my vintage 30mm watches but myself not stereotyped into thinking bigger is better..
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Old 12 December 2018, 12:49 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim Smyth View Post
Wish they went bigger. I have a 7-3/4" wrist. 40MM is the smallest I would consider owning. My sweet spot is 42MM-43MM. Glad they make all sizes to keep the masses happy.
This

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Old 12 December 2018, 12:50 AM   #6
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Nope, you're not alone.
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Old 12 December 2018, 12:52 AM   #7
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You can always shop around for the 5 digits for things that are more to your liking. Most from the 90's have a modern design and you can wear those effortlessly in today's world.
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Old 12 December 2018, 12:53 AM   #8
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Maybe Rolex should divide models into two size and class ratings.
Instagram range - Large and extra polished probably with diamonds
Classic range - smaller sizes, chamfered edges and matte dials
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Old 12 December 2018, 12:53 AM   #9
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I have a small wrist and I think modern watches are just fine. (6.75")

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Old 12 December 2018, 12:57 AM   #10
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You can always shop around for the 5 digits for things that are more to your liking. Most from the 90's have a modern design and you can wear those effortlessly in today's world.
Sure that’s an option. Regarding the explorer models the newer design is more appealing just not the size
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Old 12 December 2018, 12:58 AM   #11
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Modern rolex is too big. only the Daytona feels right on my wrist frankly
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:00 AM   #12
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I like both big and small, depending on the day. but if I had to choose, I prefer the svelte super model look.
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:00 AM   #13
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I like both my BLNR and Daytona for fit.

More about the watch than the specs for me.
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:06 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by Jim Smyth View Post
Wish they went bigger. I have a 7-3/4" wrist. 40MM is the smallest I would consider owning. My sweet spot is 42MM-43MM. Glad they make all sizes to keep the masses happy.
Same size as my wrist
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:08 AM   #15
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I have petite 6” wrists and most modern “entry level” Rolex sports watches won’t work for me. I’ve owned a 39mm Explorer and a GMT IIc... both too big, which of course means a Sub would be too big as well. On both watches the crown dug into the top of my hand, leaving a painful mark, plus they jut didn’t look quite right either.

A Daytona I tried on in an AD actually fit beautifully but of course is outside my price range. (The one I tried was the WG with blue dial.) I ended up settling on a 34mm OP (wears like 36-37mm) and a 40mm 16570. I prefer the look and build of the current Explorer II but the size and shape of the previous generation is just perfect. My dad’s ‘70s Sub is a great size as well.

I don’t expect Rolex to downsize dramatically anytime soon but it would be great if they offered multiple sizes in models like the Explorer. A 36mm Explorer with modern build quality would be very welcome. A 38mm Sub variant is a pipe dream but would allow them to keep the supercase while returning to a more vintage wrist presence. The success of the Black Bay 58 shows that the market is there for a modern luxury diver in a more modest size.
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:08 AM   #16
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Look at the 5 digits again if the 6 digits are too big. The design is not very different and the size is great!



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Old 12 December 2018, 01:08 AM   #17
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Your not alone. My sweet spot 36-39mm. If the sky dweller was 39mm I’d be all over that.


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Old 12 December 2018, 01:21 AM   #18
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I did a quick search, found two sources that show average wrist size for males.
One says 7.25" and the other says 8.5".

I'm inclined to believe the 7.25" may be closer to what the actual average wrist size is.
That being said, I would make an assumption that based solely on wrist size, the majority of modern rolexes are in a sweet spot. Now that doesn't take into account current trends, personal preferences, etc.

I've got a 7" wrist and my 40mm Air King 116900 looks smaller on me but also looks good. My 38mm Seiko Alpinist also looks good on my wrist, and it's on the 'smaller side' on me. I could easily wear a 42-43mm watch without it looking too big, or a 36mm without it looking too small. That's very subjective though, so take it with a grain of salt.

https://theslenderwrist.com/average-...ize-for-a-man/
https://wbracelet.com/average-wrist-...st-size-guide/

p.s. @Saaci - I dig those pants, where'd you get them?
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:28 AM   #19
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People are bigger now days which means bigger wrists. I believe they're the right size I won't wear a watch smaller than 39 because it will looks silly on me. I'm 6'3 195
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:29 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Carondelet View Post
I did a quick search, found two sources that show average wrist size for males.
One says 7.25" and the other says 8.5".

I'm inclined to believe the 7.25" may be closer to what the actual average wrist size is.
That being said, I would make an assumption that based solely on wrist size, the majority of modern rolexes are in a sweet spot. Now that doesn't take into account current trends, personal preferences, etc.

I've got a 7" wrist and my 40mm Air King 116900 looks smaller on me but also looks good. My 38mm Seiko Alpinist also looks good on my wrist, and it's on the 'smaller side' on me. I could easily wear a 42-43mm watch without it looking too big, or a 36mm without it looking too small. That's very subjective though, so take it with a grain of salt.

https://theslenderwrist.com/average-...ize-for-a-man/
https://wbracelet.com/average-wrist-...st-size-guide/

p.s. @Saaci - I dig those pants, where'd you get them?


Uniqlo! I was in looking at some athletic wear... never would have considered buying work clothes there but I loved these pants so much I had to have em!


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Old 12 December 2018, 01:31 AM   #21
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I don't wish they down-size. I stick with 4 and 5 digits :)
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:32 AM   #22
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I’m a 5 digit guy!
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:34 AM   #23
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Bigger watches are more in the trend at this moment, and in general, I consider Rolex models actually on the smaller side compared to other manufacturers. Rolex has done a great job in not following this "super size" everything movement. Someday, smaller watches will become trendy again and Rolex will still be in balance with those changes.

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Old 12 December 2018, 01:45 AM   #24
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You’re not alone; that’s why Rolex makes datejust, daydate, in both 36mm and 40/41mm sizes.

Personally, I think the OPs at 39mm look fine, not so much those with maxi case and lugs. It’s about the proportion, not simply the size...
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:49 AM   #25
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I think their sizing is keeping in line with their conservative pacing and designs. Having owned both older and now newer models I have to say the modern ones certainly feel better on the wrist and more aesthetically pleasing IMO.
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:50 AM   #26
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I’m a 5 digit guy!
FYI while the 6-digit Submariner looks boxy, be advised that the 6-digit GMT wears just like a 4 and 5-digit Sub. As soon as I tried one on it felt like my old friend 16610 and my concerns subsided. Not all 6-digits are part of the 'oversized' trend.
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:53 AM   #27
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Modern Rolex too big?

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FYI while the 6-digit Submariner looks boxy, be advised that the 6-digit GMT wears just like a 4 and 5-digit Sub. As soon as I tried one on it felt like my old friend 16610 and my concerns subsided. Not all 6-digits are part of the 'oversized' trend.


Interesting. I must try one!

I’m a 34mm Air-King wearer daily, and I have a 14060M which is thinner still than the 16610. Thanks for letting me know!
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:54 AM   #28
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Originally Posted by Jim Smyth View Post
Wish they went bigger. I have a 7-3/4" wrist. 40MM is the smallest I would consider owning. My sweet spot is 42MM-43MM. Glad they make all sizes to keep the masses happy.
X2 I'm with you. I do love my 16700 but it feels like I'm wearing nothing next to my DSSD and YMII.
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:58 AM   #29
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Originally Posted by Jim Smyth View Post
Wish they went bigger. I have a 7-3/4" wrist. 40MM is the smallest I would consider owning. My sweet spot is 42MM-43MM. Glad they make all sizes to keep the masses happy.
I agree with this. I'm closer to a 7-7/8" to 8" wrist and I wouldn't wear a 5 digit Sub because it looked feminine on me......not that there's anything wroooong with that. The wider lugs on the 6 digit makes the Sub and GMT II wear like a 42 IMO and that's the absolute lowest I could go without feeling self-conscious.
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Old 12 December 2018, 01:59 AM   #30
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I have petite 6” wrists and most modern “entry level” Rolex sports watches won’t work for me. I’ve owned a 39mm Explorer and a GMT IIc... both too big, which of course means a Sub would be too big as well. On both watches the crown dug into the top of my hand, leaving a painful mark, plus they jut didn’t look quite right either.

A Daytona I tried on in an AD actually fit beautifully but of course is outside my price range. (The one I tried was the WG with blue dial.) I ended up settling on a 34mm OP (wears like 36-37mm) and a 40mm 16570. I prefer the look and build of the current Explorer II but the size and shape of the previous generation is just perfect. My dad’s ‘70s Sub is a great size as well.

I don’t expect Rolex to downsize dramatically anytime soon but it would be great if they offered multiple sizes in models like the Explorer. A 36mm Explorer with modern build quality would be very welcome. A 38mm Sub variant is a pipe dream but would allow them to keep the supercase while returning to a more vintage wrist presence. The success of the Black Bay 58 shows that the market is there for a modern luxury diver in a more modest size.
If the crown digs in to your wrist you are wearing it to loose. Simply wear it tight above the wristbone, its not a bracelet. There is not much wrong with today's sizes. "Problem" is guys wearing watches that are to large for their build. So no, you cannot wear a ROO 44 or a James Cameron on a 6'inch wrist. Well, you can but it will look funny to put it politely.

I love the Blancpain FF but the 45 simply is to big for my '7+ wrist so that model is a no for me even though i love the watch i know i will look like a fool. Wear what you want who cares what others think is what some say. Well, nobody in their right mind would wear a suit thats 2/3 sizes to big. You can if you want but you will look like a clown.

I believe 80% of men have a wrist size between 6.5 and 7.5 so the current sweet spot 40mm will work for most just fine. If you have a smaller wrist take advantage on the vintage market. Lots of cool smaller sized watches can be had for a bargain.
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